In Hawaii, knife laws are relatively strict and have specific regulations regarding ownership and carry. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding your knife rights in the state:
Key Aspects of Hawaii’s Knife Laws
1. Legal Ownership
- Permitted Knives: Residents can own most types of knives, including:
- Bowie knives and other large fixed-blade knives.
- Folding knives, including single-edged pocket knives.
- Throwing knives and stars.
- Disguised knives (e.g., pen knives, lipstick knives).
- Prohibited Knives: Certain knives are illegal to possess, including:
- Switchblades: Defined as any knife that opens automatically by a button or other mechanism.
- Butterfly knives (balisongs): These have a blade encased in a split handle that unfolds with wrist action.
- Gravity knives: Knives that open by the force of gravity.
2. Carrying Knives
- Open Carry: There are no restrictions on the open carry of single-edged pocket knives or other legal knives. However, carrying certain types of knives is prohibited:
- Dirks and daggers cannot be carried openly or concealed.
- Concealed Carry: Concealment is not an issue for legal knives like single-edged pocket knives. However, carrying prohibited weapons such as dirks or switchblades is illegal.
3. Specific Regulations
- Deadly Weapons Law: Under HRS § 134-51, carrying concealed any dirk, dagger, or other deadly weapon without authorization is considered a misdemeanor. This law also applies to having such items within a vehicle.
- School Zones: Hawaii has a zero-tolerance policy for weapons on school grounds, which includes all types of knives.
4. Legal Consequences
- Violating knife laws can lead to misdemeanor charges, which may result in fines or imprisonment. For example, possessing a switchblade or butterfly knife can lead to penalties under HRS § 134-52 and § 134-53.
Summary
In summary, while you can own many types of knives in Hawaii, there are significant restrictions on carrying certain kinds, particularly switchblades and butterfly knives. Always ensure that you are familiar with both state laws and local ordinances regarding knife possession and carry to avoid legal issues. If you plan to carry a knife for activities such as hiking or camping, ensure it complies with Hawaii’s regulations to enjoy your time safely in the Aloha State.
Source:
https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/hawaii-knife-laws-with-all-new-updates-2022
https://www.hawaiifreepress.com/Articles-Main/ID/29360/What-knives-can-you-carry-in-Hawaii
https://ravencresttactical.com/hawaii-knife-laws/